NO BIG GATHERINGS. Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc signed an Executive Order on March 11, imposing the mandatory self-quarantine of returning Ilocos Norte residents who have history of travel to Covid-19 affected countries. Big gatherings such as conventions, seminars and festivals are discouraged until the state of public health emergency is lifted. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Organizers of big gatherings, such as conventions and festivals, are urged to suspend their incoming activities here after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency due to Covid-19 scare.
Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said Wednesday there is no reason to panic but the provincial government is just taking a proactive measure to keep the province free from Covid-19 or any infectious diseases.
In a three-page Executive Order No. 58-20 signed by the governor on March 11, Manotoc said all returning Ilocos Norte residents who traveled overseas either by sea or air have to take 14-day mandatory self-quarantine at home.
“Any individual, either with history of exposure to affected individuals or with mild symptoms including cough, fever, cold and sore throat, shall report to their respective health offices for proper assessment, monitoring and management,” the EO said.
As mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, a Barangay Health Emergency Response Team is organized to monitor their arrival. The health officers of each town are also expected to do the same.
Manotoc said law enforcers will be forced to intervene to regulate movement in the event the patient under monitoring (PUM) refuse to cooperate with local authorities.
As of posting, the province has at least 19 PUMs because they have history of travel from the Covid-19 affected countries.
“This is not to alienate these individuals but more so, to monitor them and ensure that they follow the protocol and all of the necessary actions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte will be purchasing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers who will be directly dealing with persons who may be positive with Covid-19.
The Philippine National Red Cross has also assured they have available supply of around 400 PPEs in case the province needs augmentation.
For as long residents maintain a healthy diet and practice good proper hygiene such as handwashing with soap and the use of sanitation alcohol, Dr. Josephine Ruedas, provincial health officer said, “we are safe.”
“Our priority is the health of our province. It’s not the time right now to welcome people and risk our own residents,” she said.
On March 9, the Department of Health raised the country’s Covid-19 alert system to Code Red (Sub-level 1) after confirming a first case of local transmission. (PNA)
